'Record-breaking' year leads to fire service plea

The fire service has advised people to avoid having open fires in the countryside

A fire and rescue service is urging the public to take preventative steps to reduce the risk of wildfires, following a "record-breaking" number of incidents.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) said it is "under immense strain", having attended more than 900 grassland, woodland and crop fires since the beginning of the year.

That equals the number of call-outs across the entirety of 2022, its previous record year.

Chief fire officer Andy Cole said this summer has been "one of the most challenging for wildfires that we've ever faced".

He added extended dry spells and high winds have created the "perfect conditions" for wildfires to not only be ignited but spread rapidly.

"Our firefighters have been working around the clock in arduous conditions, often for days at a time, to protect lives, homes, and our natural environment," he said.

"We're calling on everyone to do their part - even small actions can prevent a devastating wildfire from starting."

The Holt Heath blaze was one of more than 900 outdoor fires dealt with since the start of the year

Earlier this month, the service dealt with a major heath fire at Holt Heath, near Wimborne in Dorset.

DWFRS crews worked around the clock to fight the blaze, which is believed to have been started deliberately, but also required help from crews from Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside to get it under control.

The service said that "in addition to the physical toll on crews, the increased frequency and intensity of wildfires have strained resources, such as equipment and finances."

Mr Cole added that recent incidents, such as the Holt Heath blaze highlighted the need "for better funding across the sector".

The service has issued the following advice to help the public avoid causing wildfires.